The Surroundings of Humility
Jonah 2:1–10
Last week we left Jonah at the point of being swallowed by a big fish. Commonly, the tale is told of Jonah being swallowed by a whale. That makes sense since a whale is a mammal—it breathes air, something Jonah would need over three days. Also, a mammal generates internal heat, which would help keep Jonah alive, while a fish’s body temperature fluctuates with its surroundings.
Now, God could certainly work with a fish and still keep Jonah alive. Whether it was a fish or a whale—it doesn’t matter.
But pause for a moment and imagine that moment when Jonah hit the water. Instantly, the sea became calm. Jonah floated there, able to watch and hear the sailors rejoice as the storm ceased. His clothes became heavy. As he struggled to stay afloat, seaweed entangled him. And just as he thought all was lost… gulp.
D. The Prophet’s Prayer (2:1–10)
1. The Prayer (2:1–9)
Jonah 2:1–9 (NIV)
“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.
He said:
‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, “I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.”
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.
When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”’”
How often are we like Jonah? How often do we have to hit rock bottom to realize how desperately we need the Lord?
Jonah says, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord.” He had nothing left—no distractions, no options. He was in a fish! It doesn’t get lower than that. Have you ever been to that place?
At the bottom, you have a choice: focus on the depths or turn to God.
God’s Grace: Life-Changing Power
Jonah realizes something powerful: “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” That love is grace—and it changes everything.
Here are three truths about that grace:
1. We Are All Sinners
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We all miss the mark. But that just reveals the depth of God’s grace. Jesus is the answer to our sinfulness.
2. We Cannot Cleanse Ourselves
Hebrews 9:11–14
Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all—by His own blood—not the blood of animals.
The blood of Jesus cleanses us inwardly so we may serve the living God.
Other religions may say “work your way to salvation,” but Scripture teaches salvation is God’s gift—it’s His work, not ours.
3. Salvation Is Costly
Hebrews 10:4–10
“We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Let that settle in. Jesus offered His body for our sin. That’s the cost of our salvation. Could we give that? Could we give our child?
This is the depth of God’s love.
Grace Found in the Depths
Jonah met God’s grace in the belly of a fish. At the bottom. That’s where we meet Him too.
Timothy Keller writes:
“We find grace not at the high points of our lives, but in the valleys and depths… when the world crashes around us.”
When life crumbles, we finally confess. But we don’t always have to go that far. If we listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit—maybe we can respond sooner.
Responding to Love
Why should we respond?
Because Jesus didn’t come with a sword—He came with nails in His hands.
Our society misunderstands love. We’ve reduced it to a transaction: “As long as I get more than I give, I’m in.” But true love demands sacrifice. We’ve sacrificed family for self-fulfillment. If we want to preserve our families and society, we must re-learn how to listen, forgive, and communicate—even when it costs us.
Substitution at the Core
John Stott wrote:
“Sin is man substituting himself for God.
Salvation is God substituting Himself for man.”
Think on that. He took your place.
Keller echoes:
“What makes a person a Christian is not our love for God… but God’s love for us.”
That’s what Jonah realized. That’s what we must realize too.
2. The Response (2:10)
Jonah 2:10 (NIV)
“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”
What a rescue! And how about you?
What are you running from?
Pray.
☕️ Coffee Conversation Questions:
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Have you ever experienced a moment when you hit “the bottom” like Jonah? How did God meet you there?
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Why do you think it takes being desperate for many people to finally turn to God?
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How does understanding the cost of Jesus’ sacrifice reshape your view of grace?
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What “worthless idols” might people today cling to that keep them from God’s love?
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What would it look like to show sacrificial love in your family or community this week?